AUDIO: Victim, suspect identified in Middleboro killing

A woman who authorities have identified as 65-year-old Norma DesRoche has died of a gunshot wound to the chest after gunfire erupted in Middleboro just after midnight, according to a press release Friday afternoon.

By Staff

The Taunton Daily Gazette, Taunton, MA

By Staff

Posted Jul. 12, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Jul 12, 2013 at 12:21 PM

By Staff

Posted Jul. 12, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Jul 12, 2013 at 12:21 PM

MIDDLEBORO

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A woman who authorities have identified as 65-year-old Norma DesRoche has died of a gunshot wound to the chest after gunfire erupted in Middleboro just after midnight, according to a press release Friday afternoon.

Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz's office has identified the shooter as Thomas Buttimer, 52.

Middleboro police responded at 12:03 a.m. on Friday after receiving a call of a woman bleeding at 174 Highland Street in the southern section of the town. When they arrived they found the woman bleeding from a gunshot wound, and her husband and another individual performing CPR. The woman, who has not been identified by Plymouth County District Attorney spokeswoman Bridget Norton Middleton, died later at a local hospital.

“We heard like fifteen gunshots one right after the other,” said Tlyer Lambert who lives two doors down from the colonial-style home at the end of a long, semi-paved driveway where the incident took place.

“It was powerful enough that it shook this door,” Labert said pointing to his glass front storm door. “It shook the windows. Then all the sudden there was like 17 cop cars."

While at the home, a man appeared in the driveway carrying a "long barrel" firearm and pointed the weapon at police, according to Middleton's press release. Police asked the man "several times to drop the weapon," the statement said, and then shot him when he didn't comply.

The man, who has not been identified, was taken for treatment and is expected to survive. He has been charged with assault with intent to murder and possession of a firearm. The man was known to the victim and had been staying at the Highland Street residence.

Middleboro police on the phone and at the scene would not comment on the incident, referring all questions to Middleton. The home is registered to a John Desroche, according to real estate records.

Emergency officials were still on the scene Friday morning. First Assistant District Attorney Frank MIddleton arrived at the scene this morning, but wouldn't comment to The Enterprise.

It is still unclear what led to the shooting. Anyone with information is urged to contact investigators at 508 947 8087.